International Women's Day: The Women Behind The Brand

“My team are 100% my priority. I can’t do it all on my own so I surround myself with good people and I make sure every one of them understands the endgame. I spend a lot of time giving feedback: the good and the bad. That’s how we grow. I never shout; it’s unprofessional and it’s unpleasant. I’ve learned that balance is key: hiking and yoga give me headspace and focus. Above all? I’m proud to sit on a senior management team that’s two-thirds female.”

“Taking the leap and moving to London was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s opened my eyes to new opportunities, new cultures and new people. Working in an international marketing team with 11 different nationalities really broadens my horizons. You have to throw yourself in; be bold and be curious. It won’t come to you unless you put yourself out there. My advice? Embrace change, stretch yourself, be a global citizen.”

"Moving departments after 10 years in finance was a big risk for me to take, especially in my 30s. As much as I enjoyed my role and it was that all I knew, it didn't fulfill my personality. I was fortunate enough to work for a company which encouraged me to fulfill my goals and I've now been in HR for two years. I love being the first person people meet when they join LTS and I love working for a global company that’s powered by 92% women. Remember, it's never too late to chase your dream career. I'm living proof it can pay off."

“In February 2011, a devastating earthquake hit Christchurch, NZ, flattening the inner city and leaving thousands without homes or possessions. Our office was in one of the worst affected areas so I decided to help out with various relief effort initiatives, including “Girls’ Days Out”. Over several months we bused thousands of women two hours south to enjoy a day’s shopping, goody bags, lunch and some good company! I also helped with the clean-up operation, shoveling sludge out of homes and schools. It was a huge learning experience; one I’ll never forget, and one that has a profound impact on me to this day. It taught me a lot about my own resilience and the resilience of people and communities.”

"Moving from Derby to London, I had one ambition: to design for the best creative companies. There were occasions when my dream took its toll; I designed for free, sofa-surfed and generally lived a miserable existence. But I kept self-belief: I knocked on agency doors and chased Creative Managers, awkwardly presenting my finest work. Luckily, people began to take notice and wanted to nurture my creativity. My lesson? Don’t wait for things to happen, get out there and fight your case."

“At 6’3”, I was always the tallest in my class at school. Although it was often difficult for me to hear, my mother repeatedly told me to stand up straight. She’d say, ‘your height may intimidate others, but do not others intimidate you’. Today, I’m thankful for this lesson and the strong woman she helped me become. It’s so important to be proud of who you are and not ashamed of how others see you.”

“I love building teams where women support other women. It inspires me on a daily basis. Ours is a culture of openness and willingness to share, where everyone takes responsibility for the energy they bring; it’s a real force for creativity. It brings out the best in people and in ideas.”